draft top 40, Helu RB has big play ability, small school report

Nebraska coaches gave Helu a heavy 28-carry load Saturday—especially after Martinez was knocked out of the game with a bruised leg—and he delivered touchdowns runs of 66 yards, 73 yards and 53 yards en route to a 307-yard game.

Helu (5-11, 220) showed the strength to consistently break tackles, running with good balance and agility. He also showed surprising acceleration and big-play speed.

Small school report
Small-school receivers generally must have great size or be elite return men to grab scouts' attention, but Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmund Gates (5-11, 189) could be the exception that proves the rule. He is quick and athletic and consistently makes big plays despite being the focus of every opponent in every game.

Gates (5-11, 189) is not a huge receiver but shows the burst, explosiveness and speed to make big plays. Once he gets into the open field, he has a knack for making would-be tacklers miss. He has posted five consecutive 100-yard games and is a late-round prospect to keep an eye on in the spring.